The Ducati 899 Panigale isn't as fast as its 1199 counterpart, but it's one of
Ducati's best sports bikes yet

The Ducati 899 Panigale fills a familiar position in the Italian brand's model range: that of a slightly scaled-down version of the top super-sports model of the day, offering near identical style and design at roughly three-quarters of the engine capacity and a similarly reduced price.

But although on the surface the 899 fits that traditional role perfectly, slotting in neatly below the 1199 Panigale flagship and retaining its sleek look and distinctive technical features, this new V-twin is subtly different to its predecessors.

Previous "down-sized" Ducatis – such as the 748 of the Eighties, the following decade's 749 and the outgoing 848 EVO – were racier than the larger capacity bikes from which they were derived. Their smaller engines thrived on revs, giving a manic character ideally suited to the track.

The 899 Panigale is not like that. Ducati is aware that the sports bike market is shrinking and that the 1199 Panigale is an extreme performance machine, aimed at the track more than the road. So the 899 has been taken in the other direction; designed as a more comfortable and rider-friendly bike that works equally well on the street.

The 899 is still very much a Panigale, complete with radically over-square Superquadro V-twin layout, in this case of 898cc capacity. It also uses a Panigale-type aluminium monocoque frame, which doubles as the airbox. And, like the 1199, it incorporates advanced electronics, including three riding modes, plus adjustable traction control and ABS brake systems.

Expense is saved by using aluminium instead of magnesium for some engine covers. Similarly the rear subframe is steel not aluminium, the swing-arm is a simple twin-sided design, and suspension and brake components are less exotic than their 1199 equivalents. The thicker seat and softer suspension, compared with the 1199, mean the 899 is almost plush by Ducati super-sport standards.

But if that suggests that this Panigale has gone soft, then don't worry: it's still a fast and exciting Ducati. It's almost 50bhp less powerful than the 1199, but produces 8bhp more than its predecessor the 848 EVO – and has a 34bhp advantage over the legendary 916 of two decades ago.

Rain on the launch at Imola did not prevent the 899 from being thrilling to ride. The Ducati splashed down the straights, barking its V-twin sound from the short, mid-mounted exhaust as it headed towards a top speed of more than 160mph. Torque at low revs is notably improved over the 848, and the Panigale pulls strongly from 7,000rpm.

It also changes gear very quickly and effortlessly thanks to its standard electronic quick-shifter, an improvement on the 848's sometimes imprecise change. In slippery conditions on the road the softest engine setting is potentially useful. As well as cutting peak output to 100bhp with a very smooth throttle response, this automatically adjusts traction control, engine braking and ABS levels to suit.

Handling is very good, as far as can be determined on a wet surface. Its steering geometry is slightly steeper than the 1199's, improving agility; the narrower rear tyre also contributes to a light yet precise cornering feel. Suspension combines Showa's Big Piston Forks, as used on several Japanese sports bikes, with a similarly multi-adjustable rear shock from Sachs.

In the rain I was glad of the excellent ABS system that is standard, which combines with Brembo's Monobloc calipers to provide very powerful stopping. Despite the conditions my only real chassis-related complaint was an old one: the footrests are too smooth, occasionally allowing a wet boot to slip off.

The 899 is no sports-tourer, and won't be much fun in town. But it promises a higher degree of comfort and practicality, plus enough speed and handling to keep most riders happy. Following the 1199's chassis layout means its riding position is slightly more upright and roomy than that of the compact 848 EVO. The larger fuel tank should allow a more generous range of close to 150 miles.

Better still, the 899 Panigale offers the style and most of the high technology and performance of the 1199 for £12,495 which, although far from cheap, is much nearer that of the 848. This down-sized Panigale is not just a useful compromise. For a typical rider it's arguably the best, most complete sports bike yet from Ducati.

THE FACTS

Ducati 899 Panigale

Tested: 898cc four-stroke V-twin, six-speed transmission

Price/on sale: £12,495/mid-November

Power/torque: 148bhp @ 10,750rpm/ 73lb ft @ 9,000rpm

Top speed: 165mph (estimated)

Range: 140 miles @ 40mpg (estimated)

Verdict: Glamorous, powerful and technically advanced V-twin sports bike that also promises respectable levels of comfort and value for money

Telegraph rating: Five out of five stars

THE RIVALS

MV Agusta F3 800 £11,499

Stylish Italian triple has similar performance and exotic appeal to the Panigale. It's also £1,000 cheaper and handles superbly, but has a few rough edges.

KTM 1190 RC8 R £12,995

The angular Austrian V-twin lacks the Ducati's electronic sophistication but its bigger, 1,195cc engine produces 173bhp and it's not much more expensive.

Suzuki GSX-R750 £9,899

Little-changed Japanese four has comparable performance to the 899 and a much lower price, but doesn't approach the Italian bike's style or refinement.